The Nerazzurri have been on a poor run of form of late, but the Argentine is confident that his team-mates have what it takes of overcome the resurgent Rossoneri following their win over Cluj on Thursday.

"It’s a unique and special game. Maybe we’re not playing quite the way we want to be playing in the league, but considering how we've been training and how we played in Romania, we deserve to win," he was quoted as saying by the club's official website.

"We’re hoping to do things right and grab the three points. AC Milan are doing well but so are we, and I have a lot of confidence in our team.

"We want to win the derby and then start doing things as we all believe we can. There’s nothing as wonderful as playing in a derby with a full stadium. It will be fantastic. We really hope to win and make the fans happy."

Alvarez has found life at Inter difficult since joining the club from Velez Sarsfield, but is adamant that he wants to stay at San Siro.

"I wanted to stay here [in January], but in this sport you never know what will happen. I was giving my all in training to do well and stay. Now I really want to do everything I can to give my best," he added.

"I’m happy in Italy. Milan is a city that has it all, and I’m really happy here. My closest friends on the team? Definitely the Argentines, but that’s natural. Actually, though, I have a good relationship with everyone. We have an excellent group and I feel really good here.

"I’m not thinking about my future, but rather on playing well now. Then we’ll see. I’d like to stay with this team. I’m happy here and get along with everyone. I know I still haven’t shown my full worth, also because I've suffered a couple injures that have held me back a bit."